|
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is flexography?
A: Flexography is a printing process that uses a flexible material to transfer ink to the web or substrate.
Q: How does flexography work?
A: In flexography, a liquid ink is transferred to an anilox roll, which then
transfers the ink to a printing plate mounted on a plate roll. The printing plate is made of a flexible material with a raised image. Ink transfers from the anilox
role to the raised image on the printing plate to the web.
Q: Which industries require flexography?
A: Since its inception, flexography has most frequently been used in the
pressure sensitive adhesive roll label industry. Over the years, however, flexography has branched out to a number of industries where it is utilized to
print on tags, folding cartons, flexible packaging and more.
Q: What types of inks does flexography use?
A: Water-based, solvent-based and ultraviolet (UV) are the three most common
types of ink used in the flexographic printing industry. Water-based and solvent-based inks are normally associated with flexographic printing, but UV inks have
recently been developed for flexographic applications, letterpress and screen-printing applications.
Q: How should we send you the artwork?
A: The artwork can be e-mailed via the internet to our graphics department. You may also send us electronic art, separated
neagatives, one up, or a black and white mechanical. Please use crop marks and bulls eyes for placement. You can send us an
unfinished sketch, and our art department, can send you a proof for approval prior to running. Visit our Things to Know link
to learn more about artwork requirements and printout to be supplied.
Q: Which electronic format is best for logos?
A: We prefer to receive TIF images and color separated artwork. For complex images, please consult with our graphics department.
Q: Is there a charge for custom PMS colors?
A: A & D Labels has standard PMS colors to choose from, this is particularly helpful for customers who say they just want a red or dark
blue. There is no upcharge for a nonstandard PMS color.
Q: What is your delivery time for custom labels?
A: New items typically take 7 to 10 working days depending on what type of material, adhesive, and operations need to be done,
simple custom labels take the shortest time, and more complex custom labels, longer. This time is from the time we receive approved
camera ready art. Repeat orders usually take from 5 to 10 working days days from receipt of order.
Q: Do you produce rush jobs?
A: Yes, we can ship new and repeat labels orders from 1-5 days for small upcharge depending on the size and material of the order.
Q: How long will it take to receive a proof after I have sent an electronic file?
A: Generally, it takes between 24 and 48 hours, depending on the complexity. We have several options for our customers on
receiving proofs. We can create a PDF file and e-mail the file back for quicker approval. Laser proofs and match prints are also available.
Q: What are the credit terms?
A: The first order are usually either prepaid, Mastercard, Visa, American Express or shipped UPS C.O.D. We will send you a credit
application so we can place you on open terms on orders in the future. our open terms are net 30.
Q: How do I find out what's the best material to use for my application?
A: Talk with one of our customer service representatives. Find out what the label is being applied to, how long do they want it to
stay on, is it being applied in below freezing conditions, will it go into freezing conditions after, is the label going outdoors and
subject to UV sunlight, will it be subject to harsh conditions such as cleaning solvents, etc. is being placed on a flat, smooth surface,
or small diameter curved surfaces. All of these factors will determine what is the best pressure sensitive product to use. We will also
send you samples of the pressure sensitive product(s) we recommend. It is very important for your customer to test these samples, first before placing an order.
Q: Does A & D Labels only use pressure sensitive paper materials?
A: In addition to using pressure sensitive paper materials we use a variety of different types of films. Some of the films are:
aluminum, acetates, polyesters, polypropylene and vinyl.
Q: Does A & D Labels use non pressure sensitive materials?
A: Absolutely, we use in addition to all types of pressure sensitive paper materials a large variety of non-pressure sensitive materials.
Minimum order requirement and special deliveries may apply.
Q: I need UL® recognized labels can you help me with them?
A: Yes, we have a full line of UL® labels to meet your toughest labeling components
Q: Can A & D Labels produce bar codes? And if so, how is the check digit determinined.
A: Yes we can, a number of different formatted bar codes can be produced. A check digit is based on a formula, which is provided in
our software, that looks at all the information for the bar code.
Q: Can I get random, consecutive number, or bar code data on labels?
A: Of course, we can print variable data on a wide variety of materials. Call or e-mail or FAX to get more details.
Q: I need to test a small quantity of labels. How much will it cost.
A: Absolutely nothing for blank labels. That’s right, no charge, just ask, we’re here to help.
Q: Does A & D Labels print 4 color process, graduated screens, halftones, spot colors or varnishes?
A: Yes, we print up to 175 line screen and we can send you samples.
Q: What does pressure sensitive mean?
A:
We know this sounds silly, but, they’re sticky. Pressure sensitive labels will adhere with only pressure. We have a wide variety of
adhesives to choose from. From permanent to removable and high temperature to low temperature. We can meet your adhesive requirements.
Q: What is the difference between a die cut and a butt-cut label?
A:
|
|
Die-cut labels have round corners and spacing between each label on the roll.
|
|
|
Butt-cut labels have square corners and no spacing between each label on the roll.
|
|
|
